PURI
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JAGANNATH TEMPLE
A visit to Puri, one of the holiest destinations in India, by default means a religious visit to the Jagannath temple, one of the four sacred dhams of the Hindu religion. The magnificent Jagannath temple is dedicated to the Lord of the Universe (Jag-universe/ Nath-lord). It was built in the 12th century and is considered as one of the tallest (65 m) temples in India. Built in the Kalinga style of architecture, the temple consists of Jagmohan (hall) and the Deul (main shrine) in its front. The Nata Mandir and the Bhoga Mandir were built later in the 14th and 15th century in the typical Orissa style. The provision of having meal made of the ingredients donated to the temple is a unique feature of the temple.
GUNDICHA GHAR
The Gundicha Ghar or Gundicha temple is another important site to visit in Puri. Regarded as equally holy, this is considered as the place of Lord\’s aunt Gundicha. According to the local belief, Lord stays here for 9 days during the time of the famous Rath yatra or Chariot pulling festival of Puri. On the day of the Rath Yatra, Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra are ceremoniously taken in gorgeously caparisoned wooden rath (chariot) from the Jagannath temple to Gundicha temple. At the garden house, their aunt greets them by feeding them padoapitha (specially baked rice cakes). This event also makes an important part of the famous Rath yatra festival of Puri.
PURI BEACH
Perhaps the only walkable beach on the eastern coast of India is the Puri white sand beach. Puri beach is characterised by its utter simplicity, the sweets and snacks hawkers, the wonderful and loving people, and the widespread white sand with the waters from Bay of Bengal continuously washing your feet while you walk. Though dirty at some places because of the commercial set ups nearby, you can still have the much needed evening walks in the remaining clean stretch. A lazy walk by the sea with few sips of hot and made on the spot tea or tender coconut add up to that heavenly experience. Moreover, you can also request the local boatman for a boat ride into the sea.
TEMPLE OF CHILD KRISHNA AT INDRADYUMNA TANK
One of the many places to visit in Puri is the Indradyumna Tank which is famous for its religious importance and its relation to Lord Krishna. The temple has a Child Krishna temple nearby and a small shrine dedicated to King Indradyumna of Orissa. Located on the north western part of the Gundicha Ghar, this Indradyumna lake is one of the five sacred tanks of Puri.
ATHARNALA BRIDGE
Atharnala bridge also makes another site to visit in Puri. It was built in the 13th century over the Mandupur stream. The bridge is situated at the entrance of the town and is considered to be an architectural marvel. This massive bridge of around 85x11 metres is still in use by the city dwellers here.
